Biosolids Conveyor for Upper Moreland-Hatboro JSA Treatment Plant Upper Moreland Township, PA

General Description

The Upper Moreland-Hatboro Join Sewer Authority (JSA) provides service to approximately 63,000 people in the boroughs of Moreland and Hatboro, north of Philadelphia, PA. The Upper Moreland-Hatboro JSA is permitted for 7.2 MGD and currently provides service to a number of surrounding townships and business parks. The plant has been in operation since 1954 and has undergone several expansions and improvements over the years. Like many plants built in that era, the incorporation of newer techniques and technologies has allowed the plant to meet the ever changing environmental regulations and needs of their customers.

The Upper Moreland-Hatboro JSA Treatment Plant discharges to Pennypack Creek which feeds into the Delaware River and Bay. The plant has not had a violation since flooding over 10 years ago. KWS worked closely with the Engineer, Contractor and plant personnel to provide a shaftless conveyor that met their performance, maintenance and environmental requirements.

Design Parameters

1. Product Type – Dewatered Biosolids (Sludge)
2. Material Density – 65 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
3. Capacity – 128 Cubic Feet per Hour
4. Duty – 5 Days a Week, 8 Hours per Day

KWS Advantages

KWS Environmental designed, manufactured, supplied and commissioned a shaftless screw conveyor along with structural supports and safety control devices. Designed to fit in the limited space allowed by the screw press, existing equipment and the dewatering building, the inclined conveyor transferred biosolids from beneath the screw press and discharged to an existing belt conveyor. A custom inlet transition between the screw press and new shaftless screw conveyor was designed to maximize the discharge of dewatered biosolids and prevent spillage.

The drive unit for the conveyor was located at the discharge end due to space constraints under the dewatering equipment. Working closely with the engineer and contractor, KWS designed the layout to resolve interference issues between the new conveyor and other equipment. KWS Environmental used 3D modeling techniques to provide a solution without numerous submittal iterations or field modifications.

Special Features

The KWS Environmental shaftless screw conveyor utilized special alumina ceramic trough liners for maximum life. The KWS-350 High Strength Microalloy spirals are the strongest and toughest spirals in the industry and designed to withstand years of continuous operation. The pairing of ceramic liners and ultra-tough spirals allowed for the worst-case condition without fear of prematurely wearing out the conveyor. To facilitate ease of access to the spiral and liners, the conveyor covers were secured with Witte clamps.

Safety bolts were also added to each cover to prevent accidental removal of the covers during operation. A removable inspection cover was added to the inlet hopper for observation of the screw press discharge, which was also made safe with the inclusion of steel grating over the opening.